North Side Elementary Student Handbook

To download North Side's Student Hanbook in English, please click here

Welcome to North Side Elementary School! Our exceptional teachers and staff provide students with high-quality instruction in a caring and supportive learning environment. We encourage family engagement and appreciate your support. This handbook includes important information about our school. Please contact us if you have any questions. We look forward to working with you and your child!

The School Day

School Day: 8:15 am - 3:15 pm
Educare: 7 am - 7:45 am and 3:15 pm - 6 pm

District Calendar

Contact Information

Front Office 423-434-5249
Fax: 423-434-5295
Educare 423-434-2127

Academic Materials

Textbooks and materials are furnished by the school and are issued at the beginning of the school year. At the end of the school year, books/materials should reflect normal use. Report Cards will be held if materials are not returned and/or payment for lost textbook(s) is not made.

Arrivals/Dismissals/Tardies

Arrival

Students may arrive between 7:45am-8:15am. Parents are not to walk children to class. All car riders are to be dropped off behind the school on 8th Avenue. Students must remain in their car until a staff member directs them to exit. Any student arriving after 8:15am will need to go to the front office and be signed in by a parent. Students arriving after 8:15 will be considered tardy.

Early Dismissal

Tardies/Early Dismissals

Students must be in their classrooms with materials by 8:15 am each morning and remain until 3:15pm. Upon the 3rd unexcused tardy and/or early dismissal in a grading period, the student could be subject to a consequence to make-up missing work. The school principal has the authority to implement “time for time” procedures that would allow students to make up time missed for school due to tardiness.

Car Line

If you are driving a car, you must pick up your child in the designated car line behind the school on 8th Avenue. North Side has a drive through car line. You must remain in your car at all times. Drivers should proceed slowly toward the Car Rider Loading Zone. Drivers should proceed to the indicated cone number. Cell phones are not allowed while vehicles are moving. Students will only be loaded once ALL vehicles within the Car Rider Loading Zone have stopped. Teachers will call and direct students to enter designated cars at the designated cone. When all cars have been filled, drivers will be directed to exit the Car Rider Loading Zone. The next set of cars will be directed to move up to the indicated zone. Teacher and bus parking areas are not to be used for student pickup. All cars going through the car line must have a school issued blue car line tag in the window. Anyone who does not have a school issued tag will not be permitted to pick up from the car line. You will need to go to the office to pick up your student and a car line tag.

Walkers

Bicycles/Scooters

Families assume all risks for their children and their bicycles/scooters when choosing to ride them to school. Students riding bicycles/scooters to school must park them in front of the building and leave them there until dismissal in the afternoon. Students are advised to bring suitable locks for their bicycles or scooters, review bicycle/scooter safety rules, and have proper safety equipment.

Bus Riders

Dismissal

All students must be picked up by 3:30pm unless prior arrangements have been made, such as Educare or an off-campus after-school program (Carver Rec, Rise Up, Boys & Girls Club, Coalition for Kids.). North Side administration reserves the right to send any students not picked up in a timely manner to Educare. Educare will be available for an additional fee for all children who arrive before 7:45am or are in the building after 3:30pm. Parents are responsible for any charges accrued when their student(s) are placed in Educare.

Attendance Policies

School attendance is a major factor in determining the academic success of students. It is essential that each student be present and on time every day school is in session. Arriving on time and remaining the entire school day provides students with full academic instruction. Absences, tardies, and early dismissals are only excused for a death in the family, court appearances, and doctor or dental appointments. A physician’s note must be provided for all appointments during the school day. All other reasons are considered as unexcused.

If your child will be absent, you will need to notify the school by 9:00am so the absence will be recorded as a sick day. Please send a written note when the student returns the next day. Appointments should be scheduled outside of the school day and vacations during the appointed breaks.

A student must be in school for 3 hours and 31 minutes to be considered present for the day.
3 parent request days a year. A note must be approved by the principal prior to these days being taken.
Upon receipt of 5 written parent/guardian notes, a doctor’s statement is required.
When a student returns to school after any absence, a note from the parent/guardian or a physician is required.

Truancy Violations:

Johnson City Schools adheres to the following Attendance Policy and Procedures

Tier 1: System-wide Preventative Action

1. A copy of the system wide calendar is sent home at the beginning of the school year.
2. The attendance policy is placed in the Student Code of Conduct and School Handbooks.
3. “Pay Attention to Attendance” flier is sent home with every student at the beginning of the school year.
4. Letters are sent to every student who missed 10+ days during the previous school year.
5. At every absence, an automated call/text or email is delivered to the student’s primary contact number.

Tier 2: Completed at the individual schools

Completed at the individual schools

Violation: The student has acquired five unexcused absences.
1. A conference is held with the student and parent/guardian.
2. The student, parent/guardian and an attendance supervisor designee will sign an Attendance Contract. The Attendance Contract will include:
a. A specific description of the school’s attendance expectations for the student.
b. The period for which the contract is in effect.
c. The consequences for additional absences and alleged school offenses. This may include any disciplinary action and could result in a referral to Juvenile Court.
3. Regularly scheduled follow-up meetings, which may be with the student and the parent/guardian, to discuss the student’s progress.
4. An individualized assessment by a school employee of the reasons a student has been absent from school. The employee may refer a student to counseling, community based services, or other in-school or out-of-school services aimed at addressing the student’s attendance problems.

Tier 3: Completed at Central Office

Violation: The student has acquired ten unexcused absences.
1. The Truancy Board will review the case with the family and make the appropriate referrals to community based services, such as: counseling, parenting classes, in-home services, etc.
2. The case is reviewed with the family every 30 days until the end of the contract.

If the student has further unexcused absences or fails to comply with the contract after progressing to Tier 3, or if the parent/student refuses to participate in any part of the plan, a petition is filed with Juvenile Court.

Behavior Expectations and Student Conduct

It is the intention of Johnson City School System to create a safe and respectful learning environment in which every student is able to reach their full potential and have the same opportunities regardless of race, color, creed, religion, ethnic origin, sex, or disability. All students are expected to treat themselves and others with courtesy and respect. North Side School has adopted a positive approach to behavior. Behavior which is disrespectful will not be tolerated.

All North Side School rules apply:
● At all school-sponsored activities regardless of location;
● Going to and from school, including the bus stop areas.

Consideration will be made for the situation and degree of infraction. Disciplinary options may include a talk with the student, a letter or telephone call to parents, parent conferences, referral to the School Counselor or outside agency, suspension, behavior contracts, restitution, school service work, lunch detention, or other appropriate consequences. Disciplinary records are kept on file until the end of each school year.
Examples of unacceptable behaviors are (but are not limited to):

Giving or receiving help on any tests, including Accelerated Reader tests
Display of affection (such as embracing, kissing, handholding, etc.)
Throwing of items
Violation of dress policy
Use of vulgar or profane language
Immoral or disreputable conduct
Persistent violation of school rules
Stealing or possession of stolen property
Disrespect or disobedience to faculty, staff, or school authorities
Destruction of school property or property of others
Inciting, advising or counseling others to violate school rules
Abuse of other students (fighting, hazing, threatening, extortion, etc.) including while going to and from school as well as at school
Out of area violations or out of assigned area without permission
Inappropriate technology usage
Leaving school without permission
Violence or threatened violence against a student or school personnel and/or assaulting a student or school personnel with vulgar or obscene language
Refusing to accept the consequences for one’s action or refusing to follow instructions of the school staff
Possession and/or use of dangerous objects or weapons
Sexual harassment or bullying
Any gang related actions including dress or signs

Bully Prevention Policy

Bullying is not tolerated at North Side. Bullying is defined as someone repeatedly and on purpose saying or doing mean or hurtful things to another person who has a hard time defending himself or herself.

Three Key Components of Bullying Behavior:

Involves aggressive behavior
Typically involves a pattern of behavior repeated over time
Imbalance of power or strength

Bus Procedures

Johnson City Transit Phone Number 929-7119

In the morning and afternoon, students will board/get off their assigned bus only and at the proper loading stop.
Appropriate conduct will be expected in the bus loading areas.
Only small items may be taken on buses. Students need to make arrangements with parents to transport medium or large items to and from school.
Students will not be permitted to carry open food or drink items home from school on the bus.
Students will be directed to call from the main office or classroom if they miss the bus at the end of the school day.
Students must bring a note that has been signed by their parents if they ride any bus other than their normal bus.
All school conduct rules apply to students riding the bus.
Bus privileges may be suspended for violations of the rules.
Parents are responsible for transporting students to and from school if their child is suspended from riding the bus.
If a child is suspended from riding the JC Transit school bus, they cannot ride for any school functions until that suspension is over.

Bus Safety Complaint Procedure

The following will govern how students, teachers, staff, and community members shall submit bus safety complaints:

All complaints shall be submitted to the transportation supervisor by calling the transportation office at 423-794-2360 or email VanthournoutT@jcschools.org.
When calling with a complaint please provide if possible the bus number, time of day, and location of bus. Example: Bus number 22, at 3:30pm, corner of Maple Street and South Roan Street.

As governed by law, the transportation supervisor shall begin an investigation of all bus safety complaints within twenty-four (24) hours of complaint.

Cafeteria

Breakfast is FREE and available to all students from 7:45am to 8:15am
Lunch and breakfast for a student from a restaurant are not permitted in the cafeteria or classroom.
Students may not share food.
School lunch is FREE and available to all students. (Visitor meal: $5.00)
Students are to behave appropriately while in the cafeteria and use proper table manners.
Carbonated beverages or drinks in glass containers are not permitted.
If you choose to eat with your child, a family table is available for parents to eat with their child.

Cell Phone/Electronic Device Use

The use of student cellular phones and electronic devices on school property is not permitted during school hours, (see Student Code of Conduct). The use of these devices is strictly prohibited in any restroom or on school grounds or while attending any school related event or activity. (Board Policy 6.312) Disciplinary action will be taken for those students who continually violate this rule. If the cell phone or device is physically seen or heard, the consequences follow:

1st offense – confiscation, warning, phone taken to office, and student picks up at the end of the day
2nd offense – confiscation, lunch detention, and parent must pick up at the end of the day
3rd offense – confiscation, alternative placement, and parent must pick up at the end of the day

Using a cell phone and/or electronic device during school hours to call, text, or take pictures will result in further disciplinary actions.

Change of Contact Information

It is important that the school be able to contact parents when their child is ill, missed the bus, or in other emergency situations. To do this, parents/guardians must inform the office of changes in address or telephone number(s). In addition, any change in emergency contact numbers should also be reported to the office. Please let us know by calling 434-5249 or writing a note in your student’s tracker.

Change of Plans

Clinic

Medications should be limited to those required during school hours and necessary to maintain the student’s enrollment and attendance in school. If your child requires medication at school, the following guidelines must be followed:

All Medication

All Prescription Medication

Must be accompanied with a medication administration permission form completed and signed by a physician and parent. For students requiring emergency medication for a chronic health condition (Adrenal Insufficiency, Severe Allergy and Anaphylaxis, Asthma, and Seizure) a specific order form is available to assist with the plan of care for your child while at school. Please request from your school nurse or a copy is available online at www.jcschools.org/medicalforms.

All controlled substance medications (ADHD meds, etc.) will need to be verified and counted by the nurse or designee once received and when the medication is picked up at the end of the school year.
Prescription medicine must be in a properly labeled prescription bottle. If the medicine is over the counter it must be in a new, unopened bottle or in a blister pack that is sealed and labeled. Any medicine sent to school loose and unlabeled will not be administered. Expired medication will not be given at school. Johnson City Schools' staff will not administer Complementary or Alternative Medicine (CAM). We do not administer any medications containing SALICYLATE (such as Aspirin or Aspirin containing products such as Excedrin and Pepto-Bismol) without a doctor’s order due to the danger of Reye’s Syndrome. 5
The parent is responsible for picking up any remaining or unused medication at the end of the school year. Any remaining medication will be discarded unless your child is attending summer school or other arrangements have been made with the school nurse.

Non-Prescription Medication

Must be accompanied with a permission for medication administration form completed and signed by the parent. The student's parent or guardian must give permission in writing to administer medications while at school - TCA 49-50-1602(a)(2). Non-prescription medication that is given on a regular basis (longer than a 4- week period) will require a physician’s signature. Your child will be limited to 5 doses every 9 weeks unless accompanied with a medication administration permission form completed and signed by a physician.

The first dose or administration of any medication should be given at home.

Communication

You will receive communication from our school and teachers in several ways. Your child’s teacher will ask you to sign up for ParentSquare at the beginning of the school year. ParentSquare is an app that provides easy two-way communication between teachers and parents. You will also receive regular school newsletters that will be sent through SMS, email and ParentSquare. It is important to keep your email address up to date with the office. You can also visit our website at www.northside.jcschools.org or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NorthSideNavigators.

Teacher Communication

Conferences/Parent/Teacher

School to home communication is very important. You may request a meeting at any time. We ask that you please make an appointment with the teacher at least 24 hours prior to your visit to ensure a private, productive meeting. Teachers are not available to meet every day and will not be able to meet while their classes are in session. School-wide conferences will be scheduled in the fall, on or before November 3, 2026, and as needed. We will not be able to forward calls to the classroom except during the teacher’s planning time, before, and after school.

Dangerous Objects

Students shall not possess, handle, transmit, or attempt to use any dangerous objects, when at any school-related activity on or off campus. Students are further forbidden to use any other object or substance in a manner, which renders the item dangerous, or with the intent to do harm to another person or property. Violators of this policy will be suspended from regular school attendance. Threats (verbal or written) are considered under this policy and are subject to the same disciplinary actions.

Dress Code

The appearance of our students reflects the quality of the school, their conduct, and work. Our instructional time must be spent on learning. Anything that distracts from the classroom learning environment will not be allowed.

Dress Code

Dress Code

The principal shall exercise appropriate discretion in implementing the dress code, including making reasonable accommodations on the basis of students’ religious beliefs or medical conditions. Students are expected to adhere to standards of dress and appearance that are compatible with an effective learning environment. Students wearing questionable attire will be required to change into clothing that meets dress code requirements. In matters of opinion, the judgment of teachers and administrators will prevail. Presenting a bodily appearance or wearing clothing which is disruptive, provocative, revealing, profane, vulgar, offensive or obscene, or which endangers the health or safety of the student or others is prohibited. Students should also refrain from wearing pajamas and house slippers for their safety.

Examples of prohibited dress or appearance include, but are not limited to: exposed undergarments; sagging pants; excessively short or revealing garments; bare midriff shirts; strapless or spaghetti strapped shirts; facial piercings; attire with messages or illustrations that are lewd, indecent, or vulgar or that advertise any product or service not permitted by law to minors; head coverings such as hoods and hats, see-through clothing; attire that exposes cleavage; and any symbols, styles, or attire frequently associated with intimidation, violence or violent groups about which students at a particular school have been notified. Sunglasses in the building are also prohibited unless approval has been granted by administration because of medical reasons.

If a student’s dress or appearance is such that it constitutes a threat to the health or safety of others, distracts the attention of other students or staff from their work, or otherwise violates this dress code, the principal or designee may require the student to change their appearance and/or be sent home according to the handbook.

Educare

A before/after school childcare program will be offered at an additional fee at North Side. The Educare program opens at 7:00am (on regular school days) and closes at 6:00pm. The program is designed to enrich the students’ school experience, as well as to provide help with academic needs. An Educare information packet can be requested from the school office. Please check Parent Square for any schedule changes. For more information, call Educare at 423-434-2127.

Enrolling and Withdrawing from School

The following is required for enrolling a student in any Johnson City School:

A withdrawal from the previous school.
A record of immunizations. Out-of-state students must have a Tennessee Certificate of Immunization, which can be obtained from the Washington County Health Department before entering school. In-state students have thirty (30) days to provide the school with proof of immunization.

3. A grade card for the present school year and/or a transcript of all work from the previous school that includes recent achievement test scores.
4. Proof of residence (2) inside city limits.
Any student who is planning to withdraw from school for any reason should report to the office for correct withdrawal procedures prior to the day of withdrawal. Students are expected to meet all obligations (return of books, uniforms, materials, and payment of fees and/or fines) before withdrawing.
If an in-district student moves out of the district, he/she will be immediately withdrawn from North Side. If the student wishes to remain at North Side, the student must apply for admittance through the tuition process.

Field Trips

At various times during the school year, teachers will organize field trips that enhance the curriculum and introduce new experiences. A permission slip explaining the trip and cost will be sent home and must be signed before the student can participate in the trip. Since these trips are also optional and grades do not depend on them, sometimes students will not be able to participate because of bus behavior or other concerns. (Bus Policy #8)

Parents may accompany their child(ren) on designated field trips in which parent chaperones are requested, but please pre-approve this with the teacher and be prepared to pay any entrance fee required upon arrival of the facility. However, due to insurance and school regulations parents are not allowed to ride the school bus. Parents will need to drive and meet the group at the trip destination. Students on field trips are still under the authority of school personnel even if parents are on the trip. Teachers are responsible for orderly behavior of all students representing North Side.

Grading System

A student’s evaluation (grade) is the teacher’s estimate of the student’s progress made as an individual and cannot appropriately be compared with the evaluation of another student. Inquiries about the educational program of the school are welcome. A student will receive an academic grade in each subject area each nine weeks. Parents have access to PowerSchool throughout the year for grades and attendance in grades 3-5. Midterm Reports and Report Cards will be sent home in Daily folders.

Students cheating on homework or tests will be given a failing grade for that day’s assignment and the teacher will notify the parents. An additional consequence of alternative placement may follow.

Grading Scales for Grades 3, 4, 5	Academic Achievement Key for K/1st/2nd
A – Superior 90-100 B – Above Average 80-89 C – Average 70-79 D – Below Average 60-69 F – Failure 50-59	Always Exceeds Expectation of Standard 4 Meets Expectation of Standard 3 Beginning to Understand Standard 2 Limited or No Understanding of Standard 1 *Standards not assessed will be left blank

Student scores on the TCAP in grades three through eight (3-8) shall comprise fifteen percent (15%) of the student’s final grade for the spring semester in the subject areas of mathematics, reading /language arts, science and social studies. (As cited in TN Senate Bill No. 3427 and JCS Board Policy 4.700)

Grievance Procedure

It is the policy of the Johnson City School System not to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, national origin, creed, age, or disability in its educational programs, activities or employment policies as required by federal law. Any student of North Side who believes that he or she has been discriminated against, sexually harassed, denied a benefit, or excluded from participation in any educational programs or activities may file a written complaint with a school counselor. The counselors will consult with the administration if they feel further action on the grievance is necessary.

Homework

Students may be assigned homework from individual teachers. If a student is absent, it will be the student’s responsibility to check on missed assignments as soon as he/she returns to school. Missed assignments that are not made up or work failed to be turned in will affect the student’s final grade. Students are required to read or be read to for 20 minutes each evening and have their tracker signed.

Items to Leave at Home

Library / Media Center

Students will visit the North Side Elementary Library on a weekly basis for class and book check out. Kindergarten and First grade students may check out one book per week. Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth grade students may check out two books per week. Students are responsible for all materials checked out in his/her name, as well as for payment for lost items checked out. The replacement cost for a lost book is the price of the book. A student’s report card may be withheld when there is a lost book. If a student transfers from another Johnson City school they must make sure all library items owed to that school are returned or paid for before checking out at North Side’s Library.

Lost & Found

Media Access To Students

School administration is authorized to grant permission and to set guidelines for media access to students in the school. Representatives from the media are required to report to the administration for approval to access students. Such media access may include photographing and interviewing students but shall not be unduly disruptive.

Parents/guardians are given the option to withhold permission for public news interviews or photographs of their children while at school. This is to be indicated on PowerSchool information or to the front office staff.

Parent Teacher Association

The National Congress of Parents and Teachers whose underlying purpose is to promote the welfare of children and youth, carries on its work through local groups including North Side PTA. The organization works with the school administration, teachers, and parents to promote learning and to encourage better communication between parents and teachers.

Ways to Support North Side and our PTA

Follow the PTA on Facebook, “North Side PTA”
Join the PTA!
Link your Food City, Ingles, and Kroger cards to support North Side
Attend School Events and Spirit Nights

Parties

Schools are under strict guidelines from the state department concerning food offered at any time during the school day. Teachers have the option to have two classroom celebrations or “parties” during the year. Healthy treats should be provided for these occasions (no peanut butter). Parents may send a special treat to be shared on the child’s birthday during recess or at the end of the day. Parents are not allowed to attend birthday celebrations in the classroom or at recess. Please ensure that all food items sent are purchased from a store. Made-from-scratch items from home are not allowed to be served. Please do not drop off treats and snacks at the office without discussing with the teacher.

School Closing and Early Dismissal

In the event of bad weather, school may be delayed, closed or dismissed early. Schedule changes will be announced on the Johnson City Schools website, over the local television, and radio stations (be sure to look/listen for Johnson City Schools). You can register for school system-wide calling/texting information located on the Johnson City Schools website. If no report is heard, school will be in session. If we have a delayed opening, school would begin two hours later (10:15am). If school is delayed by two hours due to inclement weather, the buses are also delayed by the same amount of time. Every family should have a plan that will go into effect if school is dismissed early. It is impossible for every student to use the phones to make arrangements when this situation arises.

School Safety and Drills

Monthly practice drills are conducted to make certain that all students and school personnel are aware of and adhere to the safety guidelines. Please review with your child that these are just practice to make sure we are ready to keep everyone safe should there be an emergency situation.

A fire drill allows us to practice a speedy exit of all students and faculty.
Tornado drills are drills to teach the students safe areas away from windows.
A lock down drill brings school to a halt.

The doors of the school will be kept locked at all times for the safety of our students. ALL visitors and volunteers must enter through the main doors on the Chilhowie Avenue side of the building. In compliance with state law and in the interest of safety, all visitors must register in the office and wear identifying badges.

*Only authorized persons listed on the student’s Emergency/Enrollment card may pick up the student.

Student Placement

Technology Acceptable Use Policy

North Side School is proud to provide students access to many different forms of technology. In order to provide a safe and effective learning environment, it is necessary to define the acceptable uses of this technology for students and parents. Before any student is allowed use of the school system’s internet or intranet access, a written parental consent shall be signed by parents and student. Any student who accesses the district’s computer system for any purpose agrees to be bound by the terms of that agreement, even if no signed written agreement is on file. The permission/agreement form will be sent home at the beginning of the school year.

Use of Telephone

Parents and students must plan their day before coming to school. Classes will not be interrupted during instructional time. Teachers will not allow students to use the phone except for emergencies. Students who are involved in sports, clubs, or after school activities should have a prearranged ride home. This should not include using the school phone, except in the case of an emergency.

Visitors

To assure student safety, all visitors must report to the main office and check in through the Centegix Security System, which requires scanning a driver's license or valid Government I.D., before entering any of the instructional areas. Please use the Chilhowie Street entrance. As visitors leave the building, they should return to the office and sign out. Students from other schools are not permitted without administrative approval.